Media & Communication

1. Resilient Against Online Hate

Both the experiences of social change-makers and research show that online hate disproportionately affects people who already face discrimination, such as people of color, women, queer and trans people, and people with disabilities.

The consequences are profound: self-censorship, stress-related health issues, or even burnout. As a result, fewer people feel safe to speak out against injustice, while online hate becomes more normalized. At Stroomversnellers, we see this as a serious issue, not only for the individuals and movements affected but also for society as a whole.

1a. Basic Workshop

This session is designed for as many different people across the organization as possible. Building resilience requires mutual support.

Goals:

• Increase collective awareness of online hate;
• Understand its possible impact;
• Learn how to support yourself and each other when it happens;
• Gain a basic understanding of technical protection;

Outcome:
After the workshop, online hate is on everyone’s radar. People who have previously been targeted no longer stand alone, and the biggest risks of a future online hate attack are covered.

1b. Advanced Workshop

• Develop a concrete action plan for your organization
• Address specific challenges, such as:
  • How to respond substantively to online hate
  • Strengthening technical protection
  • Identifying support needs for spokespeople
  • How and when to file a police report

Outcome:
After the workshop, your team will have the tools to tackle specific challenges related to online hate, and your organization will have a plan to minimize its impact, at every stage of a potential attack.

Format:
The workshops are delivered by a duo of Stroomversnellers trainers, with at least one trainer bringing first-hand experience. They are preferably conducted in person and last about 4 hours. On request, the first workshop can also be held online in a 2.5-hour session.

“The train-the-trainer program on online hate was designed with such care, we didn’t just learn the content, but also a way of training that is both gentle and deeply instructive.”

1c. Individual Workshop: Resilient Together Against Online Hate

Online hate and discrimination continue to rise. In this interactive workshop, we explore how you, as an individual and as part of a community, can stand stronger against online attacks, discrimination, and intimidation. You’ll learn how to protect yourself and others, how to respond effectively, and how to build a positive counterforce together.

The workshop creates space for sharing experiences, exchanging practical tips, and developing strategies to strengthen both digital and mental resilience.

Request training

The price is €5,200 (incl. VAT) for a full-day training with two trainers. See our rates page for more information about options and possible discounts.

Guides affiliated with this training:

Resilience against online hate

In the (Dutch) media:

Algemeen Dagblad

2. How to Talk to a Science Denier

Disinformation and misinformation shape public debate and personal relationships. Disinformation undermines democracy and stands in the way of a just, sustainable, and solidarity-based society. You may encounter misinformation at public hearings, in conversations with peers or opponents, or during media appearances. But how can you respond in a constructive, respectful, and principled way?

In this half-day workshop, we explore when a conversation is worthwhile, and when it isn’t, as well as when and how to refute inaccuracies.

We introduce a set of tools for dealing with science denial.

By the end of the workshop, you will:

• Be able to identify friction points using the standard disputes model;
• Be familiar with the five techniques of science denial;
• Know whom to focus on in your communication;
• Have practiced formulating effective responses.

After this workshop, you will know both when to engage with a science denier, and how.

Our standard offer is a 4-hour workshop. We can also provide a two-day version consisting of three sessions (2 × 6 hours) with two trainers, at no additional cost. In consultation, we can adapt the workshop to be shorter or more extensive, focusing on selected learning goals.

Additional Resources:

• Skeptical Science website
• Report Words as Weapons (in Dutch)

Request training

The price is €5,200 (incl. VAT) for a full-day training with two trainers. See our rates page for more information about options and possible discounts.

3. Media strategy and talking to the media

For many campaigns, media attention is crucial! It puts pressure on key actors, builds allies, and strengthens your action. As a social movement, you can reach out to the media yourself but sometimes they may also show up unexpectedly at your demonstration or action, or call you for an interview.

In consultation, we can design a workshop that covers some of the following elements. The workshop can also take on a very practical approach.

Contact with the media:

• How to write a press release?
• How to build a press list?
• How to give an interview?
• Talking on television, radio or with journalists
• What is your core message?

Media strategy:

• The role of focus in your theory of change
• Who do you want to reach and how?
  
• Working with media scenarios
• What does a spokesperson do?
• When to talk with the media?
• What is the goal of media attention?

In consultation, our trainers can provide a standard half-day training focused on either speaking with the media or developing a media strategy. We can also offer a shorter workshop focusing on a single aspect, or a more extensive program covering multiple elements.

Definitely a very useful workshop. Compliments to the trainers.

Request training

The price is €5,200 (incl. VAT) for a full-day training with two trainers. See our rates page for more information about options and possible discounts.

Guides affiliated with this training:

Generating media attention Target audience and message Expanding and recording your network

Other options

We also have in-house expertise in deep canvassing, public speaking, speechwriting, and debating. Contact us to arrange a tailored workshop. In consultation, we can also design train-the-trainer programs, where participants learn to deliver our trainings themselves.